LeBron James Points to Cold Shooting as Lakers Drop Game 5 to Rockets
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The Los Angeles Lakers missed a chance to close out their first-round series on Wednesday night, falling 99-93 to the Houston Rockets in Game 5 at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James finished with 25 points, but Los Angeles shot just 42% from the field and 26% from three-point range. The offense stalled in the middle quarters, producing only 39 combined points in the second and third periods.
“We had some opportunities to make some shots we didn’t make,” James said postgame. “As much as we’ve got to defend, we also have to score, and we didn’t do that at a good rate, especially in the second and third.”
Houston’s victory trimmed the Lakers’ series lead to 3-2 and, according to James, shifted momentum. “You give credit where credit is due—they’ve played exceptionally well the last two games,” he noted. “We’ve got to answer the call.”
Luke Kennard went scoreless from the field, Austin Reaves shot 4-for-16 in his return from injury, and Marcus Smart committed six of Los Angeles’ 15 turnovers, preventing the home team from finding rhythm.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Lakers limited Houston to 44% shooting and just six offensive rebounds. Deandre Ayton grabbed 10 offensive boards on his own, while the Rockets converted 14 three-pointers to the Lakers’ seven.
Looking ahead to Game 6 on Friday in Houston, James emphasized moving on quickly. “Next game, try to flush this one,” he said. “We’ve got to learn from our mistakes … we’ve got to be better on Friday.”
Source: Lakers Nation
